With his bow and violin, we listen in to Manoj George’s music and perspective on what’s like to be an independent musician.
During a stirring noon, I was informed that the interview would be slightly delayed, for Manoj was detained by a delayed flight. Thus, I sought company with my jotter pad. It had a blank page that simply noted, Manoj George was awarded a certificate as a choral arranger in the Grammy award winning, ‘Winds of Samsara.’ Taken back by the gravity of the title, the word Samsara is an intense one that delves into reincarnation. The music abides by its name with its undulant tranquil and contemplative sounds. Buried in my earphones, I was welcomed into a surreal world of meditative notes. While listening to Mountain of Solitude and Mahatma, its composition had a fusion of African and Indian sonic vistas. A tap on my shoulder and I was awakened by my colleague. He said, “He’s here.” Manoj had an unaware complacency on his face, it must have been that feeling of reaching his hometown, Olarikkara, Thrissur. Very casually he sat down on an armchair and with an amiable tone he asked what I enjoy about music. He never showed off his accolades, but in time, I found out he’s been on a musical journey for so many years. He joined Raghu Dixit and created a band, Antaragni – that emanated world fusion music. He later decided to fly solo. He’s had his moments when he was a part of the opening act for the Bryan Adams show in Bangalore to performing in the presence of luminaries like Dr. L. Subramaniam and Yesudas. But in the walk of music, he stays loyal to independent compositions.At first, I thought it wasn’t great being woken up from my surreal state, but then reality had a fresh and welcoming perspective.
New age music, a new genre that steers towards an unheard terrain of sounds. There must be an impetus for you to follow the road not taken?
I’ve always wanted to play an instrument and the violin is something that’s dear to me. When I was young, I was fascinated by the church choir and the violinist who played. There was stunning chant sound that resonated in me and till now motivates me to play the violin. (He shows his modernistic contoured violin gifted by a friend from South Africa.)
The chants were quite celestial in the Mountain of Solitude and Mahatma, what was your line of thought when you arranged the strings for these pieces?
While arranging the strings for Mountain of Solitude, I wanted an inkling of Indian touch, there was the incorporation of Ragas. (He slowly broke into a vibrato that synced with his waggling hands.) With the use of strings, I came up with a different style. But I can say I have been a fan of jazz, Carnatic and classic music, they are very innate, and naturally they influence my music too. It’s a spontaneous decision, that’s why I lean towards independent compositions.
You said all these different styles influence you- the beauty of art is how it’s all intertwined. What connects the dots for you in music?
Whenever I travel, many tunes form in my mind when I hear the sounds of nature. I have been touring for the past fifteen years and each time I visit a place, there always lies an inspiration.
(We talked about how Billy Joel was inspired to write his song Vienna when he saw an old woman trying to cross the street in Vienna.)
Like Billy Joel, have you had any travel experiences that made you believe music is a crux of life?
Once when I performed at a concert in Trivandrum. That night I was playing independent compositions by Mozart and a few ragas. A lady approached me and said she wanted to tell something important. She said that over a few years she lost her father, brothers and recently her husband. Her son and she finally thought of suicide, and they decided to celebrate the last night with the concert. When they heard the music, the son said he was no ready to give up on his life and he wanted to pursue music. And she called me to thank me, I could only say it was fate and God’s wish that she landed here and she connected with the music. Music can really change one’s life.
You mentioned that you prefer independent compositions, what’s the challenge of being an independent artist?![]()
Promoting yourself. In India, television and radio stations promote commercial film music. The biggest challenge is that independent artists don’t have any companies to promote them because of piracy and, of course, film producers pump in money for the film’s soundtracks. On the other hand independent artists have to market themselves through all sort of media like YouTube, Soundcloud and I tunes, and yes, CDs at the concerts they perform.
With intense marketing and technology now, aren’t independent artists supposed to excel more?
Those days there was channels V and of course MTV that promoted independent artist and music. I am not sure what’s happening in television. But if you take any media, radio to chat shows they showcase film music, I guess the root of it all is money.
And if wishes were granted in a wink, what would you love to happen for the independent artists?
I talked to the CM about hosting an independent music award show. Just like the Grammy approaches music in so many categories, Kerala should bring so many independent musicians into the limelight. I’ve approached Manorama and Asianet to organize categories such as best singer, best pop album and independent music, ghazal, etc for the independent music awards show. I hope it happens.
Quickies
Music that’s on shuffle mode?
I listen to world music. Currently, I’m in the jazz zone with Stefan Raphael and Django Reinhardt.
In your dream band, we’ll be listening to?
Django Reinhardt, Billy Cobham Victor Wooten and the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestras.
What’s the trick of finding the perfect track?
Don’t restrict yourself to listening to different genres. Music will always surprise you.
Most of us relax with music, you have that, what else soothes you?
Gardening. As a child, I always loved planting flowers and I like vegetables too. Earlier I used to have a garden, unfortunately, I do not have time now.
Something India should contribute to the world?
Many countries that have their own orchestra to play western classical music like the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra. I want India to form their orchestra to represent all of our Indian Ragas.
Words by Atheena Wilson and Photographs by Jinson Abraham